Site inspection? How to verify subcontractors
In Germany, responsibility for subcontractors does not end with signing a contract. The investor and general contractor are responsible for the legality of employment, employee documentation, and compliance with regulations. Mistakes can result in high fines and work stoppages. In practice, this means that a poorly verified subcontractor represents a real financial and legal risk for the entire project.
Responsibility in Germany does not end with the contract
In Germany, inspections cover the whole subcontractor chain, not just the main contractor. FKS checks employment legality, registrations, and posting documents, and missing papers can make both contractor and investor liable.
Key documents – without them the risk increases
The basis is document verification before entering the construction site. The most important is the A1 certificate issued by Zakład Ubezpieczeń Społecznych, confirming social insurance in the home country. Missing A1 in Germany may lead to social security payments and penalties.
Additionally: employee registrations, insurance, contracts, and verification of the subcontractor’s legal status.
Most common mistakes of investors and general contractors
One of the biggest issues is trusting subcontractors without proper document verification. Common mistakes include missing or expired A1 certificates, unverified intermediaries, poor workforce control, and unclear contract responsibilities.
How to verify a subcontractor
Effective verification should cover three levels:
Company – registration, business history, stability
Employees – legal employment and documentation (including A1)
Contract – clear scope of work, responsibility, and penalties
More and more companies use internal subcontractor checklists before starting work. Subcontractor verification is a safeguard for the entire investment. Proper checking of documents, experience, and cooperation helps avoid costly mistakes and ensures smooth construction progress.
If you would like to receive a list of verified subcontractors for work in Germany, contact us and check available crews before starting your project.
We have been providing experienced and professional workers to German companies since 2018. We have a team of highly qualified specialists in various fields, whom we deploy for projects and investments within Germany.